Friday, May 28, 2010

LETS CHAT FRIDAY with Lisa Buffaloe

Today I am blessed beyond words to share an interview with Lisa Buffaloe. Since the Lord brought Lisa into my path she has blessed me and has become a woman I admire. She has a passion for the Lord and is such an encouragement. As I shine a light on Lisa today, that light is a reflection upon the Lord and what a beautiful stream of light it is. Here is my interview with Lisa:

(Robin) Hi Lisa, tell me a little about yourself.

(Lisa) Hi Robin, I’m honored to be on your site today. Thank you!I’m a madly in love with God, Christ follower. I was raised in a Christian home, became a Christian as a young girl, and even with some unpleasant times, have had a great life. I’m happily married with a teenage son, have moved thirty-four times, and now live in beautiful Idaho.

(Robin) Since you have walked with the Lord has there been a time you struggled in your faith? If so, would you like to share?

(Lisa) I’ve dealt with molestation, rape, assault, divorce, chronic illness, and a few other not-so-fun experiences, so yes I have struggled. I’ve asked God tough questions about suffering for myself and others, and fortunately God always rewards an honest seeker. Discovering more of God in the midst of difficulties is like the unfolding of a rose, each petal reveals beauty and the fragrance of His touch.

(Robin) Has there been an "aha" moment in your life that has changed your outlook? If so, I would love to hear.

(Lisa) When my best friend/sister-in-law, Kathy contracted leukemia she was a young mother. We all had faith in God and His healing power, and I couldn’t imagine God not answering our prayers for her healing. When I realized the answer could be (and was) “no” it rocked my world. Through that experience and others, God revealed different facets of who I am and who He is. I’ve learned regardless of life’s hardships, God’s goodness is never altered. I love this quote by St. Augustine, "In my deepest wound, I saw Your glory and it dazzled me."

(Robin) Do you have a favorite story, verse, hymn, or song that gives you encouragement when struggles come?

(Lisa) Oh my, I could list so many. I love music. I have a sound track playing in my head pretty much most of the day and night. Through each difficulty there has been a song or songs that have helped me keep my focus on God.Several of Margaret Becker’s songs are keepers. Her song “I won’t be persuaded” first line states, “Sometimes it hurts to be so close to the pain, when I know the one who loves me most could make it all change.” Or Margaret’s song, “All that I am” which starts with, “No one ever gave me a love so fine, that gently heals my heart one piece at a time, takes each jagged edge and every crooked line and smoothes them to life. Well no one ever gave me a love so sweet that tips my heart to drink when I'm fainting from the heat. That wraps my aching wounds in strips of mercy, so tenderly.”Scott Krippayne has some wonderful songs, “Sometimes He calms the storm” or “You are still God.” Lisa Bevill, “When the Healing Comes.” Goodness there are so many awesome songs out there -- hymns, praise songs, and tons of other Christian artists.

(Robin) What is one thing you look for in a close friend and what is one quality you hope others see in you?

(Lisa) Someone who loves God with passion and joy.

(Robin) What are a few of your favorite books you have in your collection you would share with friends?

(Lisa) Oswald Chambers “My Utmost for His Highest.” “Streams in the Desert”, anything by Beth Moore or Max Lucado, and bookshelves full of Christian books and novels.

(Robin) When life seems to go crazy, what is it that brings you calm and peace?

(Lisa) Praising God whether in word or in music. And if you top that off with a place to sit by the river, I’m one happy woman.

(Robin) What is one thing about yourself you admire?

(Lisa) Jesus Christ lives in me!!

(Robin) What are a few of the things you love surrounding you?

(Lisa) God. My family, my Bible, books and music that draw me deeper into God’s presence, the beauty of the mountains, a rock to sit on by the river….

(Robin) What are your deepest passions?

(Lisa) To tell others about God – that He is real, true, loving, merciful, righteous and just. And regardless of our pasts, He heals, restores, and renews.

(Robin) What is the best advice you have been given?

(Lisa) That’s a tough one. God has blessed me with verses, quotes, or some neat people who have said the right things at the right moment. But, I guess I’ll give you a culmination of what I’ve learned so far--God loves you. No matter how you look, how others treat you, where you live, and/or what is in your past or future, God loves you. You are eternally loved.

(Robin) In the legacy you leave, what is one thing you hope shines before all others?

(Lisa) That I whole-heartedly loved God and left the imprint of His precious touch.

(Robin) What are you currently working on now?

(Lisa) Besides blogging, I have two completed fiction manuscripts (one of which finaled in the ACFW Genesis Contest). My agent Tamela Hancock Murray is busy presenting them to publishers. I also have several other fiction and non-fiction projects in the works.

(Robin) How do you define success?

(Lisa) To be a woman after God’s own heart

Lisa, thank you so much for allowing us to know you a little better and sharing your heart with us. I feel as though I have just sat down and had a cup of tea with you as two friends. You are a light in this world and a great inspiration. Blessings to you sweet lady!

Would you like to find Lisa and see all she is doing?I visit Lisa's blog daily and have it here as one of my favorites. It is one of those places you love to visit and always leave refreshed.

Here are the links to Lisa, Lisa's agent,ACFW, and the artists mentioned above.